Students Land Spot On Prestigious All-State Band

In the sea of musicians at Ocean Springs High, you will find six of the best band members in Mississippi. One of them is Hilary Jones.

Hilary Jones said "We're the top musicians in our state and it is a big deal to us, and it's something we're going to carry on throughout our lives".

Hilary and five fellow band members have just been named to the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. Since 800-students auditioned, and only 143 were chosen statewide, the honor was music to their ears.

Catherine Contiguglia said "It's pretty exciting to play with one of the best musicians in the nation. It's a great feeling".

Dawn Hunt said "We work really hard. We prepare. Some prepare for a year to try to get on the band".

Chad Jackson auditioned four times and finally landed one of the coveted spots on the band.

Chad Jackson said "I finally made it, so I'm blown away that I actually get to go to Hong Kong".

Mississippi's All-State Band will strut their stuff in an international marching competition. The band has won 22-times, including last year, so the pressure is on.

J.T. Cacibauda said "Michigan is the only band that's ever really given us competition, and our show's probably going to blow them out of the water this year. The music we're going to play is really hard, and it's going to be difficult to play while marching".

The teens aren't tooting their own horns, but they're confident they'll hit all the right notes and win again.

Scott Robertson said "We're just better than them. There's no contest".

Students from Gulfport, Harrison Central, Stone County, Pascagoula and St. Stanislaus were also chosen to play on the Mississippi Lion's All-State Band. The International Lion's Competition will be held in June. Each student is trying to raise $3,000 to pay for the trip.